Kildonan Museum

About the museum

Kildonan Museum (Taigh-tasgaidh Chill Donnain) is a heritage, arts and culture centre in the south of the Isle of South Uist. Its collection began with Father John Morrison, parish priest of Iochdar, who gathered nearly 700 items in the 1950s and 1960s and displayed them in a small thatched cottage before handing them over to be held for the people of South Uist.

The museum later moved into the old school house at Kildonan, expanded in 1997 and gained a new gallery and learning facilities in 2017. It is owned by the South Uist Historical Trust, runs under the South Uist historical societies, and holds full museum accreditation.

The collection now holds more than 10,000 items, from ancient archaeological finds to objects linked to townships, crofting and agriculture. Notable pieces include the Clan Ranald stone. An open-access archive of maps, documents and photographs includes material from the folklorist Margaret Fay Shaw. The Kildonan Centre also has a café, a craft shop run by Uist Craft Producers and the Fèis Room for Gaelic music, drama, art and storytelling.

Highlights

• More than 10,000 items on South Uist history and culture
• Archaeological finds and objects from crofting and township life
• Clan Ranald stone
• Archive of maps, documents and photographs
• Café and craft shop in the same building

Permanent exhibition

• Kildonan Museum collections – Archaeological finds and objects from township life, crofting and agriculture on South Uist, including the Clan Ranald stone.

Founded

1989

Operated by

South Uist Historical Trust

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All areas of the museum, café and shop are wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible toilet.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the main road through South Uist, about 7 miles north of Lochboisdale ferry terminal beyond Daliburgh and about 15 miles south of Eriskay. From North Uist or Benbecula, cross the causeways south and follow the main road for about 15 miles. Grid reference NF 744 275.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Kildonan Centre has a café and a craft shop run by Uist Craft Producers.

Events & venue rental

The Fèis Room is a space for ceilidhs, music and learning events.

Plan your visit